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Exploration

From the early days of experimental airplanes to NASA’s soaring space shuttles, the evolution of flight has mirrored the evolution of society. The ongoing scientific discoveries that are part of aeronautics and space flight have improved life on Earth and allowed humans to begin investigating the secrets of the universe.

“This Month in Exploration” is a series that explores the rich history of human flight, contextualizing where we’ve been and examining the exploration history NASA is making today.

Space shuttle Discovery sits on Launch Pad 39-A before its November 2010 launch. STS-133 will carry the Permanent Multipurpose Module packed with supplies and critical spare parts, as well as Robonaut 2, to the Internation Space Station. Image Credit: NASA/Troy Cryder
The series began in May 2006. “This Month in Exploration” sought to present and discuss different notable events in the history of aeronautics and space exploration. From seemingly smaller events, that would have large implications in the future, to larger events that immediately changed the field of exploration, hundreds of moments in exploration have been investigated in “This Month in Exploration.”

In November 2010, the series came to a conclusion. But the vibrant history assembled during the four-and-a-half year run of “This Month in Exploration” will remain accessible on this page as an archive. Visitors can select any month from the dozens of features available in the archive, and immerse themselves in historical events that occurred in that month.